Wilson | Competition is fierce but there’s no ill feeling

01 Feb Wilson | Competition is fierce but there’s no ill feeling

Scotland forwards Ryan Wilson and Allan Dell believe that the competition between players battling for starting positions is stronger than ever before and is proving positive for the team’s preparations for this Saturday’s home fixture against Ireland at BT Murrayfield (4 February, kick-off 2.25pm) – live on BBC.

Wilson, who has made 23 appearances for Scotland since 2013 emphasised that although training had been tough there is no ill feeling between players competing for places.

He said: “We’ve got such a big group of players so you can have 15 on 15 at such a high standard. Nobody’s had to step in and stop the boys yet.

“You know that if someone is picked ahead of you then you’ve got to help them out. It’s a squad effort and a long old campaign, so you could be in at any time. It’s all about helping your mate out”.

Allan Dell added: “We all fit in well and enjoy each other’s company. I think that’s what is great about the environment at the moment.”

Although still relatively new to the Scotland set up, making his first cap last autumn against Australia, Dell insisted that he isn’t there just to make up the numbers.

“It’s amazing what can happen in a short amount of time. I’m really fortunate and grateful for being in with a shout for this Saturday.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself to try and improve the whole time. I’m not here just to be happy and be involved. You want to make the next step, play to the best of your capabilities and be better than the last time you wore the jersey.”

Scotland will host Ireland, Wales and Italy all at BT Murrayfield and both players believe the home advantage could help the team better last year’s performance of two wins.

Wilson said: “We look to go and win every game as they come but three would be the minimum from a personal point of view.

Dell added: “On our day, when we play well, we can do a job and make our nation proud”.